Maruti Suzuki charts aggressive SUV strategy to reclaim 50% market share
A plan to introduce eight new SUVs over the next five to six years has been announced by Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) as part of efforts aimed at regaining a 50 per cent market share in India’s passenger vehicle segment.
The announcement was made by Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) Representative Director and President Toshihiro Suzuki on Wednesday.
It was acknowledged by Suzuki, while interacting with Indian journalists at the Japan Mobility Show, that the effort to reclaim a 50 per cent share would be the toughest ever in the company’s history in India.
It was stated by Suzuki that “Eight SUVs will be launched over the next 5–6 years to raise the overall product range to 28 models.”
At present, 18 models are being sold by Maruti Suzuki in India, and a market share of around 39 per cent is being held by the company, a decline from 51.2 per cent in FY2019 and 38.8 per cent in H1FY2026.
Growth, Exports, and Electrification to* *b* *e* *f* *ocused* *u* *pon :
A roadmap centred on product expansion, capacity enhancement, and multi-pathway carbon neutrality was outlined by Suzuki. It was revealed that production capacity at MSIL plants will be increased to 4 million (40 lakh) units per annum to serve both domestic and export markets.
It was explained by Suzuki that appropriate carbon-neutral technologies will be brought for each market, and that the company’s philosophy dictates that every vehicle sold must contribute to carbon neutrality goals.
A multi-pathway strategy involving electric, hybrid, CNG, and biogas vehicles is being pursued by the automaker.
Plans for nine biogas plants in Gujarat were also mentioned, which are being set up to support biogas-powered vehicles.
₹70,000 Crore* *i* *nvestment and EV* *p* *ush* *c* *onfirmed :
An investment of ₹70,000 crore by FY2030–31 has been committed by Suzuki Motor Corporation to strengthen Maruti Suzuki’s India operations. The investment is planned to be utilized for capacity expansion, new model development, and green technologies.
The goal of becoming India’s number one electric vehicle producer and exporter has been reiterated by the company. It was noted that Maruti Suzuki’s first all-electric SUV, the e-VITARA, was exported to 100 countries, including the UK, Germany, Norway, France, and Denmark.
The vehicle was manufactured exclusively at Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG), and its export marked a major milestone in India’s electric vehicle journey.
India* *e* *nvisioned as a* *g* *lobal* *h* *ub :
The importance of India as Suzuki’s global production hub was emphasized by the company. It was suggested that, with the finalization of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), India could be positioned as a key export base for European nations.
Record exports of 3.3 lakh units in 2024 were achieved by Maruti Suzuki, and exports are expected to exceed 4 lakh units this fiscal year. Over 2 lakh vehicles were already shipped during the April–September period, it was confirmed. It was stated by Suzuki that “Exports are expected to reach 4 lakh units this fiscal year .”
Market and* *p* *olicy* *a* *daptations* *h* *ighlighted :
The impact of GST reductions on small car sales was discussed by Suzuki, who noted that such measures will encourage manufacturers to bring more entry-level models to the market. A reaffirmation was made of Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to offering vehicles across all segments from entry-level cars for first-time buyers to large SUVs and MPVs for premium customers. It was stated that products and technologies will be introduced carefully across segments to meet diverse consumer aspirations.